Costa Rica65.61
Overall rating
Open country profileCosta Rica vs. United States: Country Comparison
United States leads the overall rating with 68.90 points, ahead of Costa Rica with 65.61 points. The largest measurable differences stand out especially in Territorial Tax System and Renewable Energy Share.
Costa Rica
United States68.90
Overall rating
Open country profileKey Detail Comparisons
These links point directly to the matching country-indicator articles for both countries.
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Residence Permit Ease
Digital Nomad Visa
Visa Processing Time
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
English Proficiency
City Rent per Square Meter
Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Top Personal Income Tax Rate (%)
Homicide Rate
Petty Crime Index
Healthcare Quality
Biggest Differences
Costa Rica scores clearly better than United States on Territorial Tax System.
Costa Rica scores clearly better than United States on Renewable Energy Share.
United States scores clearly better than Costa Rica on 5G Coverage.
United States scores clearly better than Costa Rica on EV Charging Infrastructure.
Costa Rica scores clearly better than United States on Childcare Cost.
Costa Rica scores clearly better than United States on Car Insurance ($/yr).
United States scores clearly better than Costa Rica on Double Taxation Agreements.
United States scores clearly better than Costa Rica on Sanitation.
Categories Compared
Costa Rica
64 points
🛡️ Safety & Risk
Hide topics
United States
68 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crime & Personal Safety | 56 | 64 | United States |
| Conflicts & Political Security | 77 | 79 | United States |
| Natural Hazards & Disasters | 51 | 42 | Costa Rica |
| Digital Freedom & Surveillance | 74 | 70 | Costa Rica |
| Legal Protection & Property | 61 | 70 | United States |
| Long-Term Stability & Resilience | 65 | 71 | United States |
Costa Rica
67 points
❤️ Health
Hide topics
United States
76 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Access | 69 | 70 | United States |
| Environmental Health | 59 | 88 | United States |
| Health Risks & Public Health | 74 | 69 | Costa Rica |
Costa Rica
66 points
💸 Finance & Taxes
Hide topics
United States
73 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Taxes | 69 | 58 | Costa Rica |
| Investment & Capital Access | 69 | 75 | United States |
| Banking & Fintech | 68 | 81 | United States |
| Bitcoin & Crypto | 52 | 80 | United States |
| Real Estate & Property | 78 | 69 | Costa Rica |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | 45 | 65 | United States |
| Macroeconomics | 74 | 70 | Costa Rica |
| Wages & Purchasing Power | 65 | 87 | United States |
Costa Rica
63 points
🏠 Costs
Hide topics
United States
39 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing & Utilities | 64 | 44 | Costa Rica |
| Food & Basic Goods | 15 | 18 | United States |
| Dining & Going Out | 75 | 35 | Costa Rica |
| Mobility Costs | 75 | 58 | Costa Rica |
| Communication & Digital Costs | 75 | 41 | Costa Rica |
| Personal Services | 76 | 39 | Costa Rica |
Costa Rica
56 points
🏗️ Infrastructure
Hide topics
United States
74 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Infrastructure & Logistics | 42 | 74 | United States |
| Roads & Traffic Infrastructure | 43 | 67 | United States |
| Electricity & Energy | 94 | 72 | Costa Rica |
| Internet & Connectivity | 51 | 91 | United States |
| Public Transport | 48 | 58 | United States |
Costa Rica
63 points
🌿 Lifestyle
Hide topics
United States
65 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work-Life Balance | 55 | 45 | Costa Rica |
| Climate & Weather | 79 | 70 | Costa Rica |
| Outdoor & Lifestyle | 81 | 65 | Costa Rica |
| Leisure & Recreation | 67 | 81 | United States |
| Arts & Entertainment | 49 | 80 | United States |
| Food & Culinary Culture | 52 | 68 | United States |
| Family-Friendly | 57 | 53 | Costa Rica |
| Pet-Friendly | 65 | 59 | Costa Rica |
Costa Rica
72 points
✈️ Relocation & Residency
Hide topics
United States
79 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency & Bureaucracy | 73 | 73 | Tie |
| Visa, Entry & Travel Freedom | 74 | 77 | United States |
| Remote Work & Freelancing | 71 | 78 | United States |
| Work & Self-Employment Abroad | 74 | 82 | United States |
| Permanent Residency & Family | 76 | 80 | United States |
| Language & Integration | 60 | 91 | United States |
| Welcome Culture & Anti-Discrimination | 81 | 77 | Costa Rica |
| Everyday Life for Foreigners | 70 | 76 | United States |
Costa Rica
72 points
🏖️ Travel & Vacation
Hide topics
United States
81 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation & Stay Quality | 66 | 87 | United States |
| Tourism Infrastructure | 68 | 89 | United States |
| Attractions & Activities | 70 | 90 | United States |
| Beaches, Nature & Relaxation | 86 | 90 | United States |
| Vacation Costs | 74 | 45 | Costa Rica |
| Season & Travel Comfort | 76 | 85 | United States |
Costa Rica
71 points
🌐 Society & Participation
Hide topics
United States
74 points
| Topic | Costa Rica | United States | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Society & Freedom | 80 | 79 | Costa Rica |
| Education & Knowledge | 76 | 79 | United States |
| Social System & Social Cohesion | 59 | 57 | Costa Rica |
| Equality & Anti-Discrimination | 71 | 75 | United States |
| LGBTQ+ Friendliness | 80 | 86 | United States |
| Inclusion & Accessibility | 66 | 73 | United States |
| Religion & Worldviews | 67 | 74 | United States |
| Demography | 60 | 63 | United States |